Basic PowerPoint GuidelinesTips for Creating Great Presentations

FontsNo more than 2 fonts per slide Serif fonts- fonts with curves- Times New RomanSans Serif fonts- clean, block fonts- ArialScript- handwriting fonts (Lucida Handwriting)

FontsUse at least a 32 point font48 point is betterPowerPoint default for this slide is 44 for header and 31 for bulletsKeep size consistentDONT USE ALL CAPS- IT MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO READ

FontsUse bold when you want something to stand outBetter yet, change the color of the text you want your audience to be drawn to Italics are hard to readSize algorithm- Find out the age of the oldest person in your audience and divide by two- your font should not be smaller

Text Avoid excessive verbiage leading to excessively lengthy text that is not only redundant but also repetitive and reiterative. Too much text makes it difficult to see and process the information. People will either try to read everything or copy down everything and will quickly lose interest. Use more slides, list only the key points, and add the details verbally.

WordingUse consistent wordingTest scores will improveExpanding knowledgeIt will reduce time off taskGrades increase

Versus.Improved test scoresExpanded knowledgeReduced time off taskIncreased grades

Keep structure the same

BulletsNo more than 6 bullets per slide (some authorities recommend 4 or 5)No more than 6-7 words per bulletDont use periods at the end of bullets- short and concise is bestCapitalize the first word in a bullet but no others (unless it would normally appear capped)A presentation is not a book- one thought per lineNo more than 2 levels of bullets per slide

Color and ContrastUse a dark font on a light background- best for printed slides Use a white or light font on a dark background- best for darkened roomsMicrosoft created templates that work- use themToo many colors overwhelm the eye

BackgroundsSimple backgrounds are bestSet the stage and leave it aloneStick with a single background for your presentation

BalanceLeft justify bulletsCentered bullets make the text ragged and difficult to read

BalanceDont center graphics- no room for text

BalancePlace graphics off centerMore room for textBetter balancePlacing graphic on left leads your eye to the text

GraphicsSelect good illustrations and graphicsEvery image has a reasonClip art gets oldAnimated gifs are distractiveUse bar graphs and pie charts instead of tables of data

AnimationsUse builds to create dramaYou dont have to give them everything at onceUse the same transition throughout Animations with noise can be annoying- use sparingly

And Now for the Important StuffContent

Dazzle themDazzle them with the information- not the graphics or styleThe medium is not the messageThe information is the messageOn the other hand, dont send them running with a boring presentation

Basic RulesKeep it simpleMake bullet points- easy to readUse graphicsKeep wording conciseKeep font size largeYou are the star- not the presentation

Parts of a PresentationIntroductionOverviewBodyConclusionsReferences

10-20-30 ruleNo more than 10 slidesPresentation should not last more than 20 minutesFont size should be no smaller than 30

10 Ways to Keep Your Audience AwakeDont forget your purposeDont be a slave to your slidesYour slides are a visual aideYou are the showDont overwhelm your audience with unnecessary detailDont neglect your opening first impression

10 Ways to Keep Your Audience AwakeBe relevantPractice, practice, practiceSpell check before you presentDont panicExpect the unexpectedDont be boring

SourcesThe Dummies Guide to PowerPointBeyond Bullet Points- Cliff Atkinson11 Commandments for PowerPointMaking PowerPoint PresentationsInformation Technology ServicesCentre Collegehttp://cms.westport.k12.ct.us

**I used Verdana for the header and Arial for the bullet points. I prefer sans serif (without serif) fonts because they are cleaner and easier to read.*Stand in the back of the room before you give your presentation and see if you can read the slides.*AS you can see, I broke many rules creating this presentation because I needed to give you more information. Try shortening the number of words in your bullet but keep the message strong.*If there is not dramatic contrast between the text and the background, it is difficult for your audience to read. Simple backgrounds are best. If a slide is too busy, it detracts from the presentation.3. If youre projecting your PowerPoint, a white or light font on a dark background draws the audiences eye to the text.

*Like this one! :)*This is one authors recommendations for all presentations- something to think about!*